Ep 10. Hungry for Help

Hoarders season 12 episode 10, titled Hungry for Help, showcases the struggles of two individuals who have been struggling with hoarding for years, and how they seek help to overcome their compulsive behavior.

In this episode, the first hoarder is a woman named Mary, who has been hoarding for the past 30 years. She has accumulated an overwhelming amount of clutter and possessions in her small home, to the point where she can hardly navigate through the rooms. Mary's family is growing increasingly concerned about her well-being, as her hoarding has caused her to isolate herself from the outside world, and they fear for her safety.

Mary's clutter consists of mostly food-related items. She has an entire room dedicated to food and kitchen utensils, with the shelves stacked high with expired cans and jars that date back years. As a result, the space has become a breeding ground for rodents, which further adds to Mary's anxiety and distress. Mary's hoarding has caused her to neglect her physical and mental health, as she has not seen a doctor in many years.

The show's expert team of organizers and cleaners assesses Mary's home and explains how they intend to help her declutter and get rid of unnecessary items. However, it soon becomes apparent that Mary's hoarding tendencies stem from a deep psychological need to hold on to things, which makes the process all the more challenging.

The second hoarder on the show is a man named Mark, who has been hoarding for over 20 years. Mark's hoarding began after the death of his mother, who was a collector of dolls. Mark inherited his mother's collection and, over time, has accumulated a vast amount of other items that take up a substantial amount of space. Mark's home is cramped, with hardly any floor space visible due to the clutter and debris.

Mark's hoarding has left him emotionally and mentally strained; he is unable to let go of any of his possessions due to the memories they hold. He has also effectively isolated himself from the outside world, as he is ashamed of his living conditions and fears judgment from others.

The show's expert team works to help Mark understand that letting go of his possessions is not a betrayal of his mother, but rather a step towards healing and creating a healthier environment for himself. As the team clears out items from Mark's home, they are careful to salvage things of sentimental value to him.

Throughout the episode, viewers witness the emotional toll that hoarding can exact on individuals and their families. The show's expert team works tirelessly to remove the clutter and debris, all while providing emotional support and understanding.

Overall, Hoarders season 12 episode 10, Hungry for Help, sheds light on the psychological complexities of hoarding and highlights the need for compassion and support for those struggling with this behavior.